News from the Dean: July 2015

In the blink of an eye, Penn State’s summer is almost over. While we still have several more weeks of warm weather to enjoy (we hope), “fall” begins on college campuses in mid-August, when students make their way back for the new semester. And as much as we enjoy the slower pace of the summer months, by mid-August, we’re yearning for that hustle and bustle yet again.

We expect lots of hustle and bustle in the Arts District on September 20, when we host artsUP, a free, family-friendly event where visitors will be encouraged to “discover the arts at Penn State.” artsUP will feature performances, demos, hands-on activities, and more, with events focused in the Eisenhower Auditorium patio, Palmer Museum of Art plaza, and Walters Courtyard. Attendees can watch a performance of a Shakespeare scene, silkscreen print their own apron, participate in the production of a collaborative sculpture, try their hand at improv, and much more. The portion of Curtin Road located in the Arts District will be closed to traffic during the event, which will take place from noon to 5 p.m. A highlight of the afternoon will be a free performance by the Soul Rebels, a New Orleans-based brass band, in Eisenhower Auditorium at 4 p.m. For more information, visit artsup.psu.edu.

artsUP will be a highlight of our fall semester, but, as always, we have literally hundreds of other performances, exhibitions, lectures, and other events for you to enjoy. The fall 2015 edition of the Arts Showcase calendar should hit mailboxes soon, along with our annual magazine. If you are not on the mailing list for these publications, please send a request to aacommunications@psu.edu.

I hope your summer has included both work and play, and you have had time to enjoy activities with family and friends. If you are considering a fall visit to the University Park campus, I encourage you come on September 20 to enjoy artsUP. Thanks and keep in touch!